The new cricket in the UK starts on with the first round of County Championship matches to be played starting on Wednesday 10th April 2013 commencing at 11:00am.

First Division
Durham v Somerset at Durham
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex at Trent Bridge
Warwickshire v Derbyshire at Edgbaston
Yorkshire v Sussex at Headingley

Second Division
Essex v Gloucestershire at Chelmsford
Glamorgan v Northamptonshire at Cardiff
Hampshire v Leicestershire at Southampton
Lancashire v Worcestershire at Old Trafford

Middlesex have appointed former batsman Mark Ramprakash as their new batting coach on a two-year contract.

The 43-year-old, who retired in July after a 25-year playing career which began at Lord's and later saw him move to Surrey, replaces Mark O'Neill.

"I am delighted to have been invited back to Middlesex to take up a coaching role," he said.

"I am excited by the talent in the current crop of players and look forward to contributing to the club."

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting signs a two-month deal to play for Surrey as cover for Graeme Smith.

Yorkshire all-rounder Anthony McGrath has announced his immediate retirement from all forms of the game.

The 37-year-old former England Test player made more than 23,600 runs in all competitions and took 240 wickets.

Worcestershire have signed New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram for this summer's Twenty20 campaign.

Durham head coach Geoff Cook has ruled out the prospect of new additions to the squad for the forthcoming season.

Kent head coach Jimmy Adams has extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2014 season.

Northants have signed Pakistan-born seam bowler Muhammad Azharullah on a one year contract.

Essex prospects Reece Topley and Tom Craddock have signed new two-year contracts with the club.

County champions Warwickshire have lined up two young batsmen to further bolster the squad for the 2013 season.

Scot Freddie Coleman, 21, and Australian Sam Hain, 17, have joined the Bears' first team squad who travel this week to Barbados for pre-season.

Coleman's signing is expected to be confirmed by the end of the week.

Sussex have announced the signing of John Hastings as their second overseas player for the FL t20 competition.

The 27-year-old all-rounder has appeared for Australia in all three formats of the game.

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "John is a skilful bowler and a hard-hitting lower-order batter.

Kent have signed former Somerset all-rounder Calum Haggett ahead of the new county season.

Middlesex batsman Sam Robson extends his contract with the Lord's outfit until the end of the 2014 season.

Leicestershire sign highly-rated Australia A batsman Joe Burns as one of their overseas players for the 2013 season.

The new cricket in the UK starts on with the first round of County Championship matches to be played starting on Wednesday 10th April 2013 commencing at 11:00am.

First Division
Durham v Somerset at Durham
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex at Trent Bridge
Warwickshire v Derbyshire at Edgbaston
Yorkshire v Sussex at Headingley

Second Division
Essex v Gloucestershire at Chelmsford
Glamorgan v Northamptonshire at Cardiff
Hampshire v Leicestershire at Southampton
Lancashire v Worcestershire at Old Trafford
Tomorrow it all starts!

I completely missed the first set of results of the season. Here we go.

Durham v. Somerset - Durham win by 48 runs
Top scorers: Craig Kieswetter (So.) (72) Ben Stokes (Du.) (49)
Essex v. Gloucestershire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Tom Westley (Es.) (163) Dan Housego (Gl.) (150)
Glamorgan v. Northamptonshire
Top scorers: James Middlebrook (No.) (70) Stephen Peters (No.) (67)
Hampshire v. Leicestershire - Match drawn
Top scorers: James Vince (Ha.) (148) Ned Eckersley (Le.) (99*)
Lancashire v. Worcestershire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Ashwell Prince (La.) (95) Simon Katich (La.) (84)
Nottinghamshire v. Middlesex - Middlesex win by 10 wickets
Top scorers: John Simpson (Mi.) (97*) Sam Robson (Mi.) (76)
Warwickshire v. Derbyshire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Varun Chopra (Wa.) (76) Tony Palladino (De.) (68)
Yorkshire v. Sussex - Sussex win by an innings and 12 runs
Top scorers: Ben Brown (Su.) (93) Ed Joyce (Su.) (92)

England captain Alastair Cook out for 59 for Essex in their Championship match against Hampshire

All-rounder Jacques Kallis is left out of South Africa's 15-man squad for next month's Champions Trophy in England

England recall Ravi Bopara to the one-day side for the NatWest Series against New Zealand and the Champions Trophy

Second set of CC matches (April 17 - 20):


Glamorgan v. Worcestershire - Glamorgan win by 10 wickets
Top scorers: Thilan Samaraweera (Wo.) (79) Jim Allenby (Gl.) (78)
Leicestershire v. Kent - Match drawn
Top scorers: Matt Boyce (Le.) (135) Shiv Thakor (Le.) (114)
Middlesex v. Derbyshire - Middlesex win by 9 wickets
Top scorers: Sam Robson (Mi.) (68) Billy Godleman (De.) (55)
Derbyshire restricted to just 60 all out in their second innings.
Northamptonshire v. Essex - Northamptonshire win by an innings and 9 runs
Top scorers: Steven Crook (No.) (88*) David Willey (No.) (76)
Crook's innings of 88 not out came from 10th in the batting order - Northamptonshire's last two wickets fell for a total of 228 runs (9th wicket partnership of 109, 10th wicket partnership of 107)
Surrey v. Somerset - Match drawn
Top scorers: Alviro Petersen (So.) (167) Steven Davies (Su.) (147)
Warwickshire v. Durham - Warwickshire win by 318 runs
Top scorers: Tim Ambrose (Wa.) (105) Scott Borthwick (Wa.) (101)

Third set of CC matches (April 24 - 25):


Derbyshire v. Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire win by 9 wickets
Top scorers: James Taylor (No.) (112) Shiv Chanderpaul (De.) (87*)
Durham v. Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by 4 wickets
Top scorers: Joe Root (Yo.) (182) Mark Stoneman (Du.) (109)
Gloucestershire v. Northamptonshire - Northamptonshire win by 7 wickets
Top scorers: Alex Wakely (No.) (88) Alex Gidman (Gl.) (87)
Hampshire v. Worcestershire - Hampshire win by an innings and 42 runs
Top scorers: James Adams (Ha.) (219*) Daryl Mitchell (Wo.) (92)
Lancashire v. Kent - Match drawn
Top scorers: Brendan Nash (Ke.) (100*) Simon Katich (La.) (93)
Surrey v. Sussex - Match drawn
Top scorers: Luke Wells (Sus.) (208) Gary Wilson (Sur.) (124)
Somerset v. Warwickshire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Alviro Petersen (So.) (136) Jos Buttler (So.) (119)

Fourth set of CC matches (April 29 - May 2):


Essex v. Hampshire - Essex win by 4 wickets
Top scorers: Graham Napier (Es.) (2) (78*) Graham Napier (Es.) (1) (74)
Nottinghamshire v. Durham - Durham win by 6 wickets
Top scorers: Will Smith (Du.) (153) Michael Lumb (No.) 123
One of those very rare occasions when all 11 batsmen make double figures
Yorkshire v. Derbyshire - Yorkshire win by an innings and 39 runs
Top scorers: Chesney Hughes (De.) (270*) Joe Root (Yo.) (236)
Hughes' 270 came just four runs short of the all-time record for a single Derbyshire innings
Leicestershire v. Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 9 wickets
Top scorers: Michael Klinger (Gl.) (103*) Shiv Thakor (Le.) (75)
Glamorgan v. Lancashire - Lancashire win by 14 runs
Top scorers: Murray Goodwin (Gl.) (69) Simon Katich (La.) (65)
Kent v. Northamptonshire - Northamptonshire win by 7 wickets
Top scorers: Stephen Peters (No.) (106) Mike Powell (Ke.) (70)
Sussex v. Warwickshire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Jonathan Trott (Wa.) (96) Luke Wells (Su.) (96)
Middlesex v. Surrey - Match drawn
Top scorers: Chris Rogers (Mi.) (214) Sam Robson (Mi.) (129)

Fifth set of CC matches (May 7 - 10)


Lancashire v. Essex - Lancashire win by 3 wickets
Top scorers: Graham Napier (Es.) (102*) Karl Brown (La.) (80) Ashwell Prince (La.) (80)
Yorkshire v. Somerset - Match drawn
Top scorers: Adil Rashid (Yo.) (180) Gary Ballance (Yo.) (107)
Gloucestershire v. Hampshire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Michael Klinger (Gl.) (163) James Adams (Ha.) (138*)
Adams carries his bat for the second time in a 12 month span for Hampshire, while tailender Briggs' innings of 54 ensures a ninth-wicket partnership of 128 runs.
Meanwhile, if I'm reading this correctly, James Tomlinson contributes 1 run towards a 49-run partnership.
Warwickshire v. Middlesex - Match drawn
Top scorers: Sam Robson (Mi.) (215*) Rikki Clarke (Wa.) (66*)
Worcestershire v. Leicestershire - Match drawn
Top scorers: Ned Eckersley (Le.) (122) Thilan Samaraweera (Wo.) (100*)

England Lions captain Joe Root continues his prolific start to the season by scoring 179 in the draw against New Zealand.

England squad for first Test against New Zealand at Lord's:

Alastair Cook (Essex, captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Nick Compton (Somerset), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Matt Prior (Sussex, wk), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire).

England labour to 160-4 as New Zealand enjoy the better of an attritional opening day of the first Test at Lord's.

England lose four wickets for nine runs as they slip to 209-8 at lunch in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

Captain Alastair Cook praised Stuart Broad and James Anderson after they hurried England to a 170-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test. The pace pair bowled unchanged in the second innings at Lord's, with Broad taking Test-best figures of 7-44 as the tourists were skittled for 68.

After suffering from tonsillitis, Ian Bell has been passed fit to take his place in an unchanged England squad for the second Test against New Zealand.

Australia name 15-player squad for the Women's Ashes series in England in August, including fast bowler Ellyse Perry

Rain delays the start of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley; early lunch at 12:30 BST

Rain delays the start of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley; early lunch at 12:30 BST
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942591_10151624107269904_1979388603_n.jpg

England batsman Jonathan Trott defended some cautious tactics from the team in the second Test against New Zealand.

They did not enforce the follow-on and delayed declaring until the Kiwis required an improbable 468 to win.

New Zealand closed day four on 158-6 but with heavy rain expected on Tuesday the tourists may escape with a draw.

England bowl New Zealand out for 220 at Headingley to win second Test by 247 runs and secure 2-0 series victory

England bowl New Zealand out for 220 at Headingley to win second Test by 247 runs and secure 2-0 series victory
James Anderson takes final wicket - his 307th in Tests - to equal Fred Trueman's tally for England

England captain Alastair Cook says he got his tactics right as they seal a 247-run win over New Zealand at Headingley.

Ricky Ponting says only an extraordinary set of circumstances would see him play in the Ashes this summer.

England add seam bowler Jade Dernbach to their one-day squad against New Zealand as cover for Tim Bresnan, whose wife is due to give birth.

England make 227-9 in the first ODI against New Zealand at Lord's

Martin Guptill smashes New Zealand's highest individual ODI score - 189 not out - as Kiwis beat England by 86 runs

England bowlers Stuart Broad and Steven Finn are doubts for the third one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Australia bowled out for 65 as they lose by 243 runs to India in Champions Trophy warm-up match

Shikhar Dhawan hits a fine 114 as India set South Africa 332 to win the opening game of the Champions Trophy

India beat South Africa by 26 runs in the opening game of the Champions Trophy

England opener Nick Compton scores century for Somerset against Durham to boost hopes of place in Test side for Ashes

West Indies beat Pakistan by two wickets in a tight finish to their Group B Champions Trophy match at The Oval

England set Australia 270 runs to win at Edgbaston in the Champions Trophy

England set Australia 270 runs to win at Edgbaston in the Champions Trophy
LATEST:
Australia 94-3

WICKET - Hughes lbw b Root 30

Root skips in for his fourth over, there's a confident appeal for lbw against Phil Hughes as he heaves across the line - and umpire Dharmasena raises his finger!

James Anderson became England's leading wicket-taker in one-day internationals with his 235th victim as they beat Australia in the Champions Trophy.

Yorkshire's Matthew Fisher, 15, becomes youngest post-war cricketer to play in one of England's county competitions

Sri Lanka bowled out for 138 by New Zealand in Champions Trophy in Cardiff. Sangakkara 68, McClenaghan 4-43

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by one wicket in a thrilling Champions Trophy match at Cardiff

Pakistan are set 235 to beat South Africa in the Champions Trophy

Pakistan are set 235 to beat South Africa in the Champions Trophy
South Africa beat Pakistan by 67 runs in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston

Australia captain Michael Clarke ruled out of his side's Champions Trophy game v New Zealand on Wednesday

India meet West Indies in the Champions Trophy at The Oval

Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale says they're in confident mood ahead of today's County Championship match at Middlesex.

"Everyone in the squad is either bowling well or hitting the ball well but we're not taking that for granted. We've got to kick on now," Gale tells West Yorkshire Sport.

India meet West Indies in the Champions Trophy at The Oval
Captains Dwayne Bravo and Mahendra Dhoni out for the toss with match referee Chris Broad. Bravo flips the coin - at the second attempt - Dhoni calls "heads" successfully and India will field first. They're unchanged, and guess what, they'll be looking to bowl in the right areas.

India meet West Indies in the Champions Trophy at The Oval
India beat West Indies by eight wickets to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals and eliminate Pakistan

Australia face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston

Australia drop David Warner and investigate claims he attacked an England player, believed to be Joe Root

Australia drop David Warner and investigate claims he attacked an England player, believed to be Joe Root
It is the second time in three weeks Australian batsman David Warner has been in trouble with authorities.

Last month the 26-year-old was fined £3,700 for comments to journalists on his Twitter account.

The tweets, some containing obscene language and which Warner later apologised for, appeared after a journalist criticised the Indian Premier League (IPL) in an article which used a picture of him.

New Zealand's pursuit of 244 to beat Australia in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston is abandoned because of rain

Cricket Australia's disciplinary hearing into allegations David Warner punched England's Joe Root

COUNTY CRICKET

Yorkshire start day three of their game with Middlesex at Lord's in a strong position thanks to Andrew Gale's 103 in their first innings of 390. The hosts resume on 16-1 in a match which has been affected by rain.

In the other game starting its third day today, Leicestershire will begin their reply to Northants' 567-7 declared, which owed much to the first double century of Kyle Coetzer's career. The Scotland opener made 219 and added 175 with Andrew Hall, whose 103 was his third Championship century of the summer.

West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be seeking his second Championship century of the season when Derbyshire resume on 245-2 against Nottinghamshire. Also in Division One, Warwickshire start day two on 31-1 against Durham, who were all out for 267 on Wednesday.

BREAKING NEWS

Australia batsman David Warner is suspended up until the first Test of the Ashes, Cricket Australia announces.

Warner pleaded guilty to "unbecoming behaviour" and has been suspended from the remainder of Australia's ICC Champions Trophy campaign, as well as receiving a fine of £7,000 (AU $11,500).

"Warner is also suspended for the Australian team's two tour matches before the first Ashes Test against Somerset and Worcestershire," Cricket Australia add in a statement. "He will be eligible for selection for the first Test."

Sri Lanka ask England to bat first in the Champions Trophy at The Oval.

Rain delays the start of the Champions Trophy match between South Africa v West Indies in Cardiff

BREAKING NEWS

Australia batsman David Warner is suspended up until the first Test of the Ashes, Cricket Australia announces.

Warner pleaded guilty to "unbecoming behaviour" and has been suspended from the remainder of Australia's ICC Champions Trophy campaign, as well as receiving a fine of £7,000 (AU $11,500).

"Warner is also suspended for the Australian team's two tour matches before the first Ashes Test against Somerset and Worcestershire," Cricket Australia add in a statement. "He will be eligible for selection for the first Test."
David Warner called "despicable" by Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland for attacking England player Joe Root

Indies v South Africa in the Champions Trophy is due to get under way - match reduced to 31 overs per side, the delay was caused by rain.

Yorkshire complete a 10-wicket victory over Middlesex at Lord's to move to the top of County Championship Division One. The home side were bowled out for 219 on the final morning, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid taking 5-78. It left Yorkshire to score only five to win and opener Adam Lyth hit the winning boundary in the fourth over.

Essex are currently in all sorts of trouble in their County Championship match against Lancashire - and they could be heading for an unwanted place in the record books. Remarkably, they have tumbled to 15-7 in their second innings at Chelmsford and must double their score to avoid recording the lowest innings score in the club's history.

Essex are currently in all sorts of trouble in their County Championship match against Lancashire - and they could be heading for an unwanted place in the record books. Remarkably, they have tumbled to 15-7 in their second innings at Chelmsford and must double their score to avoid recording the lowest innings score in the club's history.
Essex's current crop have indeed earned themselves an unwanted place in the record books - they have been skittled for just 20 runs by Lancashire in their County Championship match.

Essex's current crop have indeed earned themselves an unwanted place in the record books - they have been skittled for just 20 runs by Lancashire in their County Championship match.
Previous lowest first-class scores

    12 - Northamptonshire v Gloucestershire: Spa Ground, Gloucester 1907
    13 - Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire: Trent Bridge, Nottingham 1901
    14 - Surrey v Essex: County Ground, Chelmsford 1983
    15 - Hampshire v Warwickshire: Edgbaston, Birmingham 1922 (Hampshire won game)
    16 - Warwickshire v Kent: Angel Ground, Tonbridge 1913
    20 - Sussex v Yorkshire: The Circle, Hull 1922
    20 - Derbyshire v Yorkshire: Bramall Lane, Sheffield 1939

Essex's current crop have indeed earned themselves an unwanted place in the record books - they have been skittled for just 20 runs by Lancashire in their County Championship match.
Lancashire captain Glen Chapple and fellow paceman Kyle Hogg destroyed Essex in 66 minutes at Chelmsford as they bowled out their hosts for just 20 to win by an innings and 105 runs.

The pair both hit half centuries as the visitors, resuming on 266-7, totalled 398 to earn a lead of 125.

Chapple (5-9) and Hogg (4-11) then ran through Essex in just 14.2 overs, with six batsmen out for ducks.

It was Essex's lowest score, the worst in all first-class cricket since 1983.

But it was not the worst total on the ground, Essex having been the ones who bowled out Surrey for just 14 after tea in 1983 .

It also brought back painful memories for Essex of their NatWest Trophy final defeat by Lancashire at Lord's in 1996, when a young Chapple took 6-18 to bowl them out for just 57.

England book their place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals by beating New Zealand by 10 runs in a rain-shortened game at Cardiff

Yorkshire reveals that South African batsman David Miller will not be returning to play for the county in this season's FL t20.

Miller helped Yorkshire to finals day for the first time last year and played for them in the Champions League.

Captain Michael Clarke ruled out of Australia's Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka this afternoon at The Oval.

Australia win the toss and elect to field against Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy

Alec Stewart and Stuart Barnes take temporary charge of Surrey after Chris Adams and Ian Salisbury are sacked

Ireland lose by 93 runs to Australia A in the rain-interrupted four-day match between the sides at Stormont. The Irish began the final day's play on 51-3, needing a further 250 runs to win the game after the tourists had declared on 174-0 on Sunday. The morning's play was wiped out because of a wet outfield but the home side lost wickets on a regular basis when play began after lunch on Monday.

Australia need 254 in 29.1 overs as Sri Lanka make 253-8 off 50 overs in the Champions Trophy at The Oval.

Sri Lanka reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals with victory over Group A rivals Australia who are knocked out.

Former England skipper Alec Stewart is placed in temporary charge after struggling Surrey part company with Chris Adams

England meet South Africa in the first Champions Trophy semi-final at The Oval

England meet South Africa in the first Champions Trophy semi-final at The Oval
England chase 176 to beat South Africa and reach the Champions Trophy final

England chase 176 to beat South Africa and reach the Champions Trophy final
England are 77-2 after 20 overs in pursuit of 176 to beat South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final at The Oval. Jonathan Trott has 28 and Joe Root is on 16.

England cruise into the final of the Champions Trophy with a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Africa at The Oval

Rain delays Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Sri Lanka in Cardiff

Batsman Kevin Pietersen named in England's 14-man squad for the two-match T20 series against New Zealand

India (182-2) beat Sri Lanka (181-8) by eight wickets and will face England in Sunday's Champions Trophy final

Nottinghamshire sign New Zealand fast bowler Ian Butler to boost their Twenty20 squad.

Butler, 31, has played eight Tests, 26 One Day Internationals and 18 Twenty20 internationals for his country.

He will play in the Outlaws Twenty20 opener against Leicestershire Foxes on Friday.

Middlesex have signed New Zealand seam bowler Kyle Mills for this summer's Twenty20 competition.

Opening batsman Nick Compton pressed his claims for a swift return to the England fold by scoring 81 for Somerset against Australia yesterday. And he is going to get another chance to fight for his place in England's Ashes Test team after being parachuted into Worcestershire's team for their game against Australia next week.

Australia lose a wicket from the last ball of the first over as Ed Cowan nicks Gemaal Hussain through to Alex Barrow. Cowan looks absolutely furious and aims a few choice words at the umpires as he reluctantly departs.

Eoin Morgan has been ruled out of tonight's Twenty20 against New Zealand with right hand injury. James Tredwell will captain the side and Morgan's injury is only expected to be a short-term problem.

Rain interrupts play at The Oval for the match between England and New Zealand.

Rain interrupts play at The Oval for the match between England and New Zealand.
The rain continues to fall and The Oval ground staff continue to bring on extra covers. In the dressing room, KP is all padded up and ready to go while Ravi Bopara is on a swivel chair enjoying a brew. As for the spectators, most of them have remembered their brolly. One fella who hasn't is using his newspaper to keep dry. It could be a long night for him if the wet stuff continues to fall.

The rain continues to fall and The Oval ground staff continue to bring on extra covers. In the dressing room, KP is all padded up and ready to go while Ravi Bopara is on a swivel chair enjoying a brew. As for the spectators, most of them have remembered their brolly. One fella who hasn't is using his newspaper to keep dry. It could be a long night for him if the wet stuff continues to fall.
MATCH ABANDONED

The rain has not stopped falling ever since Michael Lumb edged the second ball of the match to second slip. After numerous attempts to inspect the pitch, the match is abandoned and New Zealand win the two-match Twenty20 series 1-0.

Australia completed a routine victory over Somerset by mid-afternoon on the final day of their game at Taunton.

Chasing 260 to win, the tourists began day four on 36-0 against a weakened attack as tendonitis prevented paceman Jamie Overton from taking the field.

May 15 - 20

Derbyshire v. Sussex - Sussex win by 9 wickets
Glamorgan v. Essex - Essex win by 5 wickets
Northamptonshire v. Leicestershire - Match drawn
Nottinghamshire v. surrey - Nottinghamshire win by 114 runs
Somerset v. Middlesex - Middlesex win by 9 wickets
Warwickshire v. Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by an innings and 139 runs
Kent v. worcestershire - Worcestershire win by 10 wickets

May 21 - 26

Leicestershire v. Glamorgan - Match drawn
Durham v. Middlesex - Match drawn
Essex v. Kent - Match drawn
Sussex v. Somerset - Sussex win by an innings and 116 runs
Worcestershire v. Gloucestershire - Worcestershire win by 10 wickets
Hampshire v. Lancashire - Match drawn

May 28 - June 3

Somerset v. Yorkshire - Match drawn
Worcestershire v. Essex - Match drawn
Kent v. Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lancashire v. Gloucestershire - Match drawn
Northamptonshire v. Hampshire - Match drawn
Derbyshire v. Surrey - Match drawn
Sussex v. Nottinghamshire - Match drawn

June 5 - 9

Gloucestershire v. Glamorgan - Match drawn
Hampshire v. Kent - Match drawn
Middlesex v. Sussex - Match drawn
Northamptonshire v. Worcestershire - Northamptonshire win by 10 wickets
Surrey v Warwickshire - Match drawn
Yorkshire v. Nottinghamshire - Match drawn
Somerset v. Durham - Match drawn

June 11 - 16

Leicestershire v. Northamptonshire - Match drawn
Middlesex v. Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by 10 wickets
Durham v. Warwickshire - Durham win by 11 runs
Essex v. Lancashire - Lancashire win by an innings and 105 runs
Hampshire v. Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 198 runs
Kent v. Glamorgan - Match drawn
Nottinghamshire v. Derbyshire - Match drawn
Sussex v. Surrey - Match drawn

June 20 - 24

Lancashire v. Northamptonshire - Lancashire win by 8 wickets
Worcestershire v. Glamorgan - Worcestershire win by 8 wickets
Derbyshire v. Somerset - Somerset win by 4 wickets
Leicestershire v. Essex - Essex win by 4 wickets
Yorkshire v. Surrey - Match drawn
Nottinghamshire v. Sussex - Match drawn

In the first innings of the Nottinghamshire v. Sussex match, Sussex's Ed Joyce and Nottinghamshire's James Taylor both saw their innings declared with the players on 204 not out.

June 11 - 16

Leicestershire v. Northamptonshire - Match drawn
Middlesex v. Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by 10 wickets
Durham v. Warwickshire - Durham win by 11 runs
Essex v. Lancashire - Lancashire win by an innings and 105 runs
Hampshire v. Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 198 runs
Kent v. Glamorgan - Match drawn
Nottinghamshire v. Derbyshire - Match drawn
Sussex v. Surrey - Match drawn
Essex's earned themselves an unwanted place in the record books when they had been skittled for just 20 runs by Lancashire in their County Championship match.

June 20 - 24

Lancashire v. Northamptonshire - Lancashire win by 8 wickets
Worcestershire v. Glamorgan - Worcestershire win by 8 wickets
Derbyshire v. Somerset - Somerset win by 4 wickets
Leicestershire v. Essex - Essex win by 4 wickets
Yorkshire v. Surrey - Match drawn
Nottinghamshire v. Sussex - Match drawn

In the first innings of the Nottinghamshire v. Sussex match, Sussex's Ed Joyce and Nottinghamshire's James Taylor both saw their innings declared with the players on 204 not out.
Now the 20T season starts.

Tim Bresnan scores 105 not out as England declare on 413-9 in their Ashes warm-up match against Essex

England spinner Graeme Swann goes to hospital for an X-ray on a right-arm injury sustained batting against Essex

England dismiss Essex for 278 on day three of their Ashes warm-up match to record a first-innings lead of 135

Pakistan-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed named an Australian citizen and therefore available for first Ashes Test

Ex-Pakistan and Essex bowler Danish Kaneria’s life ban from playing in Britain for spot-fixing is upheld at appeals

England have named a 13-man squad for the first Test against Australia, which starts at Trent Bridge on 10 July.

Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Kevin Pietersen (Surrey), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Matt Prior (Sussex, wk), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), James Anderson (Lancashire).

A superb innings from Adam Rossington sets the platform for Middlesex to beat Kent by nine wickets in the FL t20.

South African Alviro Petersen hits an unbeaten 64 from 35 balls as Somerset easily chase down Northants' 152.

July 10 - what a day as the Ashes start today - 10:25am on Radio 5 Sports Extra.

July 10 - what a day as the Ashes start today - 10:25am on Radio 5 Sports Extra.
I plan to be there.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham

Team line-ups:

England: A Cook (capt), J Root, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, J Bairstow, M Prior, S Broad, G Swann, S Finn, J Anderson.

Australia: S Watson, C Rogers, E Cowan, M Clarke (capt), P Hughes, S Smith, B Haddin, P Siddle, J Pattinson, M Starc, A Agar.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham

England win the toss and bat against Australia

Country Championship

Sussex will be looking to wrap up victory over Somerset on day three of their County Championship game and move to the top of the Division One table. The home side will resume on 197-7, a lead of only 78 runs, after James Anyon took 4-56.

Third-placed Durham are also in a commanding position against Derbyshire at Chester-le-Street after Scott Borthwick's career-best 117 saw them to 208-2 in their second innings, a lead of 348.

As his fellow Australians start the Ashes at Trent Bridge, Adam Voges will have a century in his sights for Middlesex, having ended the second day at Uxbridge on 81 not out against Warwickshire. The home side, however, resume on 177-4 and need another 160 to avoid the follow-on.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting could play his final first-class innings in Surrey's home game against Nottinghamshire at The Oval. First, however, they will need to dismiss the visitors, who ended day two on 360-6, a lead of 162, after Steve Mullaney's 104.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham

England lose four wickets for two runs and are bowled out for 215 on day one of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day one

Australia finish on 75-4 after bowling out England for 215 on a dramatic opening day to the Ashes series

England bowler Stuart Broad passes a fitness test on his right shoulder and fields on day two of the first Ashes Test

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day two

Debutant Ashton Agar, 19, out for 98 - the highest score by a number 11 batsman in Test history - in Australia's 280 all out

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day two

England lose two wickets in two balls to reach tea on 11-2 - Mitchell Starc on a hat-trick for Australia

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting makes a century for Surrey in the final first-class match of his career

Andrew Agar makes the highest Test score for a number 11 - and on his debut, too! Becomes just the ninth cricketer to top-score in a Test innings from number 11.

Andrew Agar makes the highest Test score for a number 11 - and on his debut, too! Becomes just the ninth cricketer to top-score in a Test innings from number 11.
Something that Phil Tufnell never did!

Tenth wicket Test partnership of 163 beats the previously jointly-held record of 151 by New Zealand and Pakistan batsmen.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day three

England have resumed their second innings on 80-2 this morning - their lead over Australia just 15 runs.

Today's only County Championship match sees Division Two bottom club Kent resuming on 165-2 as they look to try and avoid the follow-on against Gloucestershire, who made 562-5 declared in their first innings at Cheltenham.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day three

England have resumed their second innings on 80-2 this morning - their lead over Australia just 15 runs.
100 partnership between Cook and Pietersen - Eng 113-2

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day three

Not good news for England fans, I'm afraid. Captain Alastair Cook follows Kevin Pietersen into the pavilion as Thursday's hero Ashton Agar grabs his first Test wicket. Cook goes for 50 with England 131-4.

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day three

Lunch: Eng 156-4 (Bell 20*, Bairstow 12*)

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day three

Ian Bell (95no) and Stuart Broad (47no) help England to 326-6 and a lead of 261 at the close of day three against Australia

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day four

England are all out for 375 (Ian Bell 109) to leave Australia needing 311 for victory

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day four

Australia reach 28-0 at lunch on day four, chasing 311 to win

First Ashes Test Match from Trent Bridge Nottingham, day four

Australia finish day four on 174-6 chasing 311 to win

Ye gads, that was nervewracking, and I was only watching the text commentary!

Australia finish day four on 174-6 chasing 311 to win


And just how close to that 311 did they get?  :o

They'll take a huge dollop of confidence from that, will the Aussies...never write 'em off, especially when that little urn is involved!

And just how close to that 311 did they get?  :o

They'll take a huge dollop of confidence from that, will the Aussies...never write 'em off, especially when that little urn is involved!
James Anderson was England's final-day hero as the hosts held their nerve to complete an astonishing 14-run victory over Australia in an unforgettable climax to the opening Ashes Test.

Yes, 14 runs is very close!

England name an unchanged 13-man squad for the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's on Thursday

Former Ireland captain Trent Johnston will retire from international and representative cricket in December

Alastair Cook has said England are not afraid of making any "tough decisions" ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord's which begins today.

Second Ashes Test Match from Lord's Cricket Ground. London, day one

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HM The Queen visits Lord's to inspect the Aussie and England cricket teams.

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson is ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series with a stress fracture of the lower back

Second Ashes Test Match from Lord's Cricket Ground. London

England thumped Australia by 347 runs.

Hampshire's former England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas to retire from county cricket at the end of the season

Former Australia fast bowler Jeff Thomson says his compatriots' batting was embarrassing in the Ashes at Lord's.

Notts batsman James Taylor to play for Sussex against Australia in three-day game starting on Friday

Kevin Pietersen has been included in England's squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia despite ongoing concerns over a calf injury. James Taylor, who played in two Tests against South Africa last summer before being left out and ultimately replaced by Joe Root, is recalled as cover.  Spinner Monty Panesar is also drafted in, along with Surrey paceman Chris Tremlett. Fellow seamers Steven Finn and Graham Onions have been dropped. The third Test begins on Thursday.

David Warner will rejoin the Australia squad on Monday and is available for the third Ashes Test against England

Hampshire beat Kent by 62 runs to secure a home quarter-final in the Friends Life t20

Pakistan great Wasim Akram believes England's James Anderson is the best bowler in the world.

FL t20 quarter-final draw: Surrey v Somerset; Northamptonshire v Durham; Hampshire v Lancashire; Nottinghamshire v Essex

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day One

Australia win toss and bat against England. Tourists include David Warner and drop Ashton Agar

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day One

Australian captain Michael Clarke hits century as visitors build solid first innings in the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford

Cricket Australia seek clarification from the ICC over the dismissal of Usman Khawaja on day one of the third Ashes Test

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day One

Australia opener Chris Rogers described Michael Clarke's century on day one of the third Ashes Test as a "massive" moment in the series. Skipper Clarke made an unbeaten 125 at Old Trafford as the tourists finished the day on 303-3, Rogers making 84.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Two

WICKET - Smith c Bairstow b Swann 89 (Aus 343-4)

Graeme Swann from the (old) Pavilion End, to bowl to Smith on 88. A confident push to leg brings him a single, Clarke rotates the strike with a forward prod. Then Smith hits it high in the air, a big slog over mid-wicket.. and he's caught!

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Two

WICKET - Warner c Trott b Swann 5 (Aus 365-5)

What on earth was Warner thinking? He has smashed the cover off that ball, but was shaking his head as the catch was taken. The review shows the biggest of edges, replays seen around Old Trafford that draw even bigger boos. Warner is serenaded all the way to the dressing room.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Two

LUNCH - Aus 392-5

More glorious sunshine as James Anderson runs in for his final over of the morning. In fact, with Kevin Pietersen sent for some sawdust, in may be the last over of the session. Pietersen spreads the sawdust on the front crease, but Anderson isn't happy and rearranges KP's work. With Haddin checking his guard and England somehow losing the ball temporarily, Anderson's over does indeed take us to the break. An even morning, but Australia well on top at 392-5.

Fall of wickets: 76-1 (Watson 19), 82-2 (Khawaja 1), 129-3 (Rogers 84), 343-4 (Smith 89), 365-5 (Warner 5)

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Three

STATE OF THE GAME

After beginning their sixth session in the field yesterday evening, England are finally batting, but have plenty of work to do. They're 52-2 in reply to Australia's 527-7 declared, having lost opener Joe Root and night-watchman Tim Bresnan, who both fell to Peter Siddle.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Three

There has been a wicket Trott was out for 5, caught by Clarke, bowled by Harris, at the score of 64. New batsman Kevin Pietersen.

England close the third day of the third Ashes Test on 294-7 - needing 34 to avoid the follow-on

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Four

BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY- Aus 172-7 (lead by 331)

Michael Clarke is fuming. The umpires get together to discuss the light - remember, it's the umpires' decision on the light nowadays, rather than offering it to the batsmen. After umps Hill and Erasmus have a chinwag, Erasmus ludicrously makes a 'spinny spinny' motion to England, suggesting that it would only be fit for play if England bowl Graeme Swann. England, wanting to go off, immediately give pacer Stuart Broad the nod. Off we go. Clarke, perhaps quite rightly, is giving Erasmus a piece of his mind.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

With more rain forecast for much of Monday, England appear likely to salvage the draw which would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with two Tests to play.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

In Summary

    Rain in Manchester threatens play
    England retain Ashes if they avoid defeat
    Play due to start at 1100; TMS at 1030
    Australia 172-7 - leading by 331
    England await Australia declaration
    Australia 527-7 dec; England 368

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

Australia have declared and England 332 runs to win, play will start at 1130.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

England 35-3 at lunch: Root 13 not out, Bell 2 not out.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

England 35-3 at lunch: Root 13 not out, Bell 2 not out.
...and it it is now raining in Manchester.

Third Ashes Test Match from Old Trafford, Manchester. Day Five

England retain the Ashes by drawing the rain-affected third Test against Australia

Fourth Ashes Test Match from Chester-le-Street, Durham. Day One

TEAM NEWS

Team selection could be interesting today. Australia could hand a first Ashes chance to paceman Jackson Bird, given that perpetually-on-the-verge-of-breaking-down-with-injury Ryan Harris has only appeared in three successive Tests once in his career. Meanwhile, if ever there were a "horses for courses" selection option for England, there's an honest, hard-running thoroughbred called Graham Onions who would be a popular selection on his home ground if they choose to tinker with their seam attack.

Fourth Ashes Test Match from Chester-le-Street, Durham. Day One

TOSS NEWS

Michael Clarke calls incorrectly... ENGLAND WIN THE TOSS AND BAT.

Fourth Ashes Test Match from Chester-le-Street, Durham. Day One

TEAM LINE-UPS

England: Alastair Cook (capt), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wk), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson.

Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke (capt), Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird

Fourth Ashes Test Match from Chester-le-Street, Durham. Day One

LUNCH - England 57-1
Cook 21 not out, Trott 13 not out

The wicket that fell was Root on 16 c Haddin b Watson at England 34-1

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day One

England hand debuts to Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan in the final Ashes Test; Australia win the toss and bat

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day One

LUNCH INTERVAL - Australia 112-1 (Rogers 21*, Watson 80*)

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day One

Australia's Shane Watson passes 150 from 194 balls in the final Ashes Test against England at The Oval

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day One

Shane Watson makes 176 to help Australia close day one of the final Ashes Test on 307-4 at The Oval

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Two

Steve Smith hits an unbeaten 138 not out in Australia's 492-9 declared on day two of the final Ashes Test at The Oval

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Two

CLOSE OF PLAY: England 32-0, still 460 behind Australia's 492-9 declared

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Two

CLOSE OF PLAY: England 32-0, still 460 behind Australia's 492-9 declared
As the BBC sums up the day

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Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Two

Australia coach Darren Lehmann fined 20% of his match fee for making 'inappropriate comments' about England's Stuart Broad

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Three

LUNCH INTERVAL- England 97-1 (Root 52*, Trott 9*)

England beat Australia by 51 runs in the second one-day international to level the new-look Women's Ashes series

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Three

England 247-4, trail Australia by 245, at the close of play

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Four

Heavy overnight rain in London threatens the fourth day of the final Ashes Test between England and Australia

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Four

No play before lunch, due to rain.

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Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Four

No play before lunch, due to rain.

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Play abandoned on day four without a ball being bowled.

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Five

Heavy overnight rain in London means play may not start before lunch.

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Five

Lunch: England reach 350-7 - a deficit of 142 runs - in their first innings

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Five

England all out for 377 - 115 behind Australia

Fifth and Final Test Match from Kennington Oval, London. Day Five

The final Ashes Test at The Oval ends in a draw because of bad light as England win the series against Australia 3-0.

England beat Australia by five wickets in the third one-day international at Hove to lead the Women's Ashes series 6-4

Hugh Morris is to leave his post as managing director of England cricket to take over as Glamorgan chief executive

England name uncapped Chris Jordan, Jamie Overton, Michael Carberry, Gary Ballance, Boyd Rankin for ODI series. Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann rested for England's ODIs against Ireland & Australia

England cricketers sorry over "inappropriate” behaviour during Ashes win celebrations, after some reportedly urinated on The Oval pitch

Australia (248-6) beat England (209-6) by 39 runs in the first Twenty20 international at Southampton

England beat Australia by seven wickets in the third and final Women’s Ashes Twenty20 at Chester-le-Street

England host Australia in the second Twenty20 international at Chester-le-Street.

England set Australia a target of 196 to win the second T20 international at Chester-le-Street

England beat Australia by 27 runs in the second T20 international at Chester-le-Street

England win the toss and field against Ireland in the one-day international in Dublin

TEAM NEWS

England give one-day international debuts to three new faces - new caps being handed out to Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry, Yorkshire strokemaker Gary Ballance and former Ireland pace bowler Boyd Rankin (pictured).

Captain William Porterfield makes 112 as Ireland make 269-7 in their one-day international against England

Scotland win the toss and field first against Australia in their one-day international in Edinburgh

Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara both score unbeaten centuries as England beat Ireland by six wickets in one-day match

Australia 362-3 (Finch 148, Marsh 151) beat Scotland 162 by 200 runs in their one-day international in Edinburgh

The start of the first one-day international between England and Australia is delayed because of rain at Headingley

The start of the first one-day international between England and Australia is delayed because of rain at Headingley
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The start of the first one-day international between England and Australia is delayed because of rain at Headingley
The first one-day international between England and Australia at Headingley is washed out without a ball being bowled

Ireland beat Scotland by one wicket in a thrilling one-day international in Belfast.

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc looks set to miss the Ashes down under with a stress fracture of the back

Notts win toss and field first against Somerset in the second YB40 semi-final after start is delayed by rain

Notts win toss and field first against Somerset in the second YB40 semi-final after start is delayed by rain
Somerset are bowled out for 119 in the YB40 semi-final against Notts at Trent Bridge

Notts (122-2) beat Somerset (119) by eight wickets to reach the YB40 final

England limited-overs coach Ashley Giles joins captain Eoin Morgan in defending their selection for the one-day series against Australia.

Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard will retire at the end of the season

Rain stops play in the third one-day international with England 59-3 in the 16th over against Australia at Edgbaston

Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard will retire at the end of the season
Hoggy's Highlights


67 Tests: 248 wickets, average 30.50, best bowling 7-61, 7 x five wickets in innings, 1 x 10 wickets in match, 473 runs, 24 catches
26 ODIs: 32 wickets, average 36.00, best bowling 5-49, 1 x five wickets in innings
First-class: 786 wickets, average 27.56, best bowling 7-49, 26 x five wickets in an innings, 1 x 10 wickets in a match
   

Rain stops play in the third one-day international with England 59-3 in the 16th over against Australia at Edgbaston
The third one-day international between England and Australia is abandoned because of rain in Birmingham

Back in September, Durham win the 2013 County Championship with an eight-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire at Chester-le-Street.